Third-Party AI Chatbots Are Coming to CarPlay
Apple’s upcoming CarPlay update paves the way for integrating advanced, conversational AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini—reshaping the in-car experience and expanding what’s possible for drivers and
For years, the in-car experience has been a battleground for tech giants, with Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto vying for dashboard dominance. While CarPlay excels at mirroring essential iPhone apps, its voice control has remained tethered to Siri—a capable but often limited assistant. Now, a seismic shift appears to be on the horizon.
A new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests Apple is preparing to open CarPlay to third-party, voice-enabled AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. This move signals a significant strategic pivot, one that could redefine the utility of CarPlay and address the growing pressure from automakers embedding advanced AI directly into their vehicles. For Apple users, this isn’t just an update; it’s the beginning of a smarter, more conversational in-car experience.
The Next Evolution of CarPlay
Currently, interacting with complex apps like ChatGPT while driving is a clunky and unsafe affair. Apple’s strict app category limitations for CarPlay have, until now, excluded AI chatbots. This forces users to interact with their phones, defeating the purpose of a hands-free system.
The reported change will introduce a new, approved category for voice-enabled chatbot apps. This will allow developers like OpenAI and Google to create dedicated CarPlay interfaces, enabling drivers to interact with these powerful AI models safely through voice commands.
This development is a direct response to a rapidly changing automotive landscape. Brands like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz are already integrating ChatGPT and other AI assistants into their native infotainment systems. By opening CarPlay to these services, Apple is making a strategic move to keep its platform relevant and prevent users from abandoning it in favor of a car’s built-in, AI-powered features.
Siri Isn’t Being Replaced—It’s Getting Neighbors
It’s crucial to understand the reported limitations of this new integration. Apple is not allowing users to replace Siri as the system-level voice assistant. You won’t be able to say “Hey Gemini” or press the steering wheel’s voice button to summon a third-party AI.
Instead, the functionality will be app-based. To use an external chatbot, you will first need to open its specific CarPlay app on the dashboard. From there, you can engage with the chatbot’s voice mode. Think of it less as a Siri replacement and more as adding a new, powerful passenger to your car who you can talk to on command.
This approach allows Apple to maintain control over its core user experience while still giving users access to the advanced capabilities of other AI models. The experience will be similar to how you currently use navigation apps; you can choose Waze or Google Maps over Apple Maps, but you must open their respective apps first.
What This Means for the Driving Experience
The introduction of AI chatbots into the CarPlay ecosystem unlocks a new tier of in-car productivity and interaction. While Siri is proficient at setting reminders, sending texts, and controlling music, large language models (LLMs) like Gemini and ChatGPT offer a different class of functionality.
Imagine being able to:
Draft a complex email by dictating a few key points and having the AI structure it professionally.
Get a summary of a new restaurant’s reviews and then ask for a reservation to be booked, all through conversation.
Brainstorm ideas for a project or get help with a coding problem while stuck in traffic.
Engage in a dynamic, educational conversation to keep kids entertained on a long road trip.
These are tasks that go far beyond Siri’s current capabilities. By enabling these apps in a hands-free environment, Apple is transforming the car from a simple mode of transport into a mobile office, a personal assistant, and an entertainment hub.
The Bigger Picture: Apple’s AI Strategy
This move doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of Apple’s broader, multi-faceted AI strategy. While the company develops its own “Apple Intelligence” features, it has also acknowledged the power of collaborating with industry leaders. Apple has already confirmed it will use Google’s Gemini to power some of the more advanced features coming to Siri.
The timeline for this CarPlay update remains speculative. It could arrive in an upcoming iOS 26 update or be held for the major iOS 27 release, which is expected to feature a significant overhaul of Siri itself. Regardless of timing, the intention is clear: Apple is moving to ensure its ecosystem remains the most capable and integrated platform for its users, whether that intelligence is built in-house or brought in from the outside.
For millions of CarPlay users, this reported update is a welcome sign that Apple is listening. It’s a pragmatic solution that balances control with innovation, ensuring that the best AI tools are available wherever you are—especially when you’re on the road.
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